Pea Salad with Bacon

Combining the sweetness of green peas with the savory crunch and saltiness of bacon, this pea salad with bacon is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying to eat.

What sets our version apart is the perfect balance of creaminess and tanginess from the ranch dressing, complementing the main ingredients without overpowering them. The addition of sharp cheddar cheese adds depth, while chopped red onions provide a subtle kick that keeps your taste buds coming back for more.

Best of all, this pea salad recipe with bacon comes together in under 30 minutes—it only needs 10 minutes of prep—making it an excellent choice for your next barbecue or potluck.

Ingredients for Pea Salad with Bacon

• Frozen peas: The star of this dish, frozen peas provide a sweet base for the salad and a distinctive green color.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese imparts a tangy depth of flavor and richness to the pea salad recipe.
• Ranch dressing: Ranch provides a rich, herb-infused flavor and creaminess to this green pea salad with bacon.
• Red onion: Chopped red onion brings a mild spiciness to the recipe that balances the richness of the bacon and dressing.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky and salty crunch to the salad, complementing the sweet green peas excellently.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the peas

Thaw the frozen peas by placing them in a colander and running cold water over them. Drain well, pat the peas dry and transfer the peas to a large bowl.

Editor’s Tip: Use your microwave’s defrost setting for a few minutes to thaw the peas out even faster.

Step 2: Cook the bacon

In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces when cool.

Editor’s Tip: For extra crispy bacon, try baking it in the oven on an aluminum-lined baking sheet at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble the salad

Add the cheddar cheese, red onion, ranch dressing, salt and pepper to the bowl with the peas. Mix everything together until it’s evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill and serve

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir in the crumbled bacon before serving.

Pea Salad with Bacon Variations

• Add some herbs: Stir in chopped mint, dill or parsley for an extra burst of freshness and color to the salad.
• Try different cheese: Swap the sharp cheddar for feta or mozzarella for a different cheese flavor.
• Make it lighter: Use Greek yogurt in place of ranch dressing for a lighter version of this pea salad with bacon.
• Include nuts: For added crunch and texture, add a handful of chopped walnuts or almonds. Or, keep things nut-free and use pumpkin or sunflower seeds instead.
• Add dried fruit: For a sweeter version of this pea salad with bacon, stir in a cup of dried cranberries or raisins.
• Make it vegetarian-friendly: Use soy-based tempeh or tofu bacon to turn this recipe meat-free.

How to Store Pea Salad with Bacon

Any leftovers of this pea salad with bacon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Can you freeze pea salad with bacon?

Unfortunately, freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the texture of the peas will be mushy and the dressing may separate when thawed.

Can you make pea salad with bacon ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this green pea salad recipe with bacon ahead of time. Prepare the salad as directed, then cover and refrigerate it until ready to serve. When you’re ready to serve, add the crumbled bacon and stir well to combine.

Pea Salad with Bacon Tips

What can you serve with pea salad with bacon?

This side dish pairs well with grilled meats like chicken, steak or pork chops. You can also serve it as part of your barbecue side dish spread or alongside hearty barbecue sandwiches and burgers.

Can you use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh peas instead of frozen ones. Add freshly shelled peas to a pot of boiling water. Cover the pot and let it steam for two to four minutes or until the peas are tender. Drain the peas and let them cool before adding them into this pea salad with bacon recipe.

Can you eat frozen peas raw?

Yes, you can eat frozen peas without cooking them. Frozen peas are blanched before freezing, making them completely safe to eat raw. Not only that, but raw frozen peas retain most of their nutrients, since they’re minimally processed—this makes them good sources of vitamins C and K, as well as protein and fiber.